RFQ Attorney Representation For Indigent Parents In Dependency and Termination Cases

[Benefits Information Provided on This Website

Does Not Apply to Contractors]

The Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) Parents Representation Program (PRP) currently provides state funded attorney representation and case support services to indigent parents, custodians and legal guardians involved in child dependency and termination of parental rights proceedings in all Washington counties.

• Yakima County: A full-time caseload of up to 100% (45 open and active dependency clients) The position is open until filled and the start date is negotiable.
• All Counties: Although OPD does not anticipate any immediate openings, OPD is willing to accept applications for all counties in order to identify interested parties if openings become available in the future.

• The approximate caseload for a full-time attorney is 45 open and active clients and 60 open and active cases.
• The current annual compensation for a full-time contractor is $210,492.
• A part-time attorney position compensation is pro-rated based on a percentage of a full-time case load.
• Compensation includes all overhead such as support staff, rent, and other costs of doing business and is dependent on experience.
• PFML is often available to employees of our contractors (including private law firms).
• The PFML program includes an opt-in for self-employed people such as our solo practice contractors.

If interested, follow the application procedures below.

Support: OPD provides contracted attorneys access to funds for expert services pursuant to OPD’s expert services policy, as well as access to technical support from experienced OPD staff. OPD provides social services professionals who contract independently with OPD to assist attorneys on cases and provide support for parents.

In addition, OPD provides access to a virtual academy for contractors, a contractor online toolbox that includes a brief bank, prior training materials, and access to forms. OPD contractors can sign up for the dependency list serve to gain access to a wealth of knowledge and experience of dependency attorneys statewide.

OPD also coordinates and hosts a number of CLEs annually to ensure contractors can meet contractual training requirements.

PRP Purpose Statement: Ensuring a fair and equitable child welfare system by leading, administering, and supporting the effective and efficient delivery of multidisciplinary right-to-counsel services for indigent parents facing state intervention in the parent-child relationship.

The following qualifications are required

• Licensed member of good standing with the Washington State Bar.
• Ability to meet Washington State Supreme Court Standards for Indigent Defense.
• A demonstrated commitment to parents’ rights, indigent defense, and social justice issues.
• Experience or interest in how race, gender, national origin, disability, and class intersect to create disparities for individuals and families experiencing state intervention in their lives and a willingness to challenge the state when it exists.
• Experience and/or ability to provide representation with energy, enthusiasm and a commitment to trauma-informed, anti-racist, intersectional, non-judgmental, and truly holistic advocacy throughout the case.
• Familiarity with RCW 13.34 and court rules pertaining to dependency and termination cases.
• Be responsive to, and communicate clearly with, clients who are often under great stress.
• Collaborate and develop working relationships with other parties and all dependency court partners.
• Experience in the court for which you are interested is preferred but not required.

Application Procedure

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. To apply, email a letter of interest identifying your qualifications and a resume. Letters of interest should also describe applicant’s current contracts for public defense or other representation, as well as existing caseload, specifying the number of your current dependency and termination cases, if any.

Please also address any questions to the above email address.

OPD reserves the right to amend this Request for Qualifications and reserves the right to refrain from contracting with any and all applicants. This Request for Qualifications does not obligate the state of Washington or OPD to contract for the services specified here.

The Washington State Office of Public Defense vigorously pursues diversity in the work force. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ, persons with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, and military veterans are encouraged to apply.